This document provides information about hardwood flooring, including types of hardwood flooring, installation, maintenance, and repair. It discusses factors that affect flooring choice like cost and durability. It also describes different types of flooring materials like laminate, bamboo, cork and describes hard flooring materials like ceramic tile and stone. The document provides guidance on maintenance for hardwood floors including sweeping, cleaning and repair for moderate to heavy damage. It emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance to prevent damage over time and extending the life of hardwood floors.

1. Flooring is the general term for a permanent covering of a floor, or for the work of
installing such a floor covering. Floor covering is a term to generically describe any
finish material applied over a floor structure to provide a walking surface. Both terms are
used interchangeably but floor covering refers more to loose-laid materials.
Materials almost always classified as floor covering include carpet, area rugs, and
resilient flooring such as linoleum or vinyl flooring. Materials commonly called flooring
include wood flooring, ceramic tile, stone, terrazzo, and various seamless chemical floor
coatings.[
Subfloor[edit]
Main article: Subfloor
The floor under the flooring is called the subfloor. This provides the support for the
flooring. Special purpose subfloors likefloating floors, raised floors or sprung floors may
be laid upon another underlying subfloor which provides the structural strength.
Flooring materials[edit]
Example of stone flooring : white marble slabs covering the floor of the courtyard of the Mosque of
Uqba also known as the Great Mosque of Kairouan, in Tunisia.
The choice of material for floor covering is affected by factors such as cost, endurance,
noise insulation, comfort and cleaning effort. Some types of flooring must not be
installed below grade (lower than ground level), and laminate or hardwood should be
avoided where there may be moisture or condensation.
The sub-floor may be finished in a way that makes it usable without any extra work, see:
 Earthen floor adobe or clay floors

2.  Solid ground floor cement screed or granolithic
Soft coverings[edit]
Carpet is a floor covering woven or felted from natural or man-made fibers. Fitted
carpet is attached to the floor structure, extends wall-to-wall, and cannot be moved from
place to place. An underlay will extend carpet life and improve comfort.
Rugs are also woven or felted from fibers, but are smaller than the room in which they
are located, have a finished edge, and usually lie over another finished floor such as
wood flooring. Rugs may either be temporarily attached to the flooring below by
adhesive tape or other methods to prevent creep, or may be loose-laid.
Wood flooring[edit]
Main article: Wood flooring
Many different species of wood are fabricated into wood flooring in two primary forms:
plank and parquet. Hardwoods are typically much more durable
than softwoods. Reclaimed lumber has a unique appearance and is used in green
(environmentally responsible) building.
Laminate is a floor covering that appears similar to hardwood but is made with a
plywood or medium density fiberboard ("MDF") core with a plastic laminate top layer.
HDF laminate consists of high density fiberboard topped by one or more layers of
decorative paper and a transparent protective layer. Laminate may be more durable
than hardwood, but cannot be refinished like hardwood. Laminate flooring is available in
many different patterns which can resemble different woods or even ceramic tile. It
usually locks or taps together.
Bamboo flooring is a floor manufactured from the bamboo plant and is a type of
hardwood flooring, though technically not a wood. Bamboo is known to be durable and
environmentally friendly. It is available in many different patterns, colors, and textures.
Cork Flooring is a flooring material manufactured from the by-product of the cork oak
tree. Cork floors are considered to be eco-friendly since the cork oak tree bark is
stripped every nine to ten years and doesn't damage the tree. Cork flooring comes in
both tiles and planks, and can have glue or glues-less installation.
Hard flooring[edit]

3. Ceramic tiles flooring in Istanbul street
Hard flooring is a family of flooring materials that includes conrete/cement,ceramic tile,
glass tiles, and natural stone products.
Ceramic tile are clay products which are formed into thin tiles and fired. Ceramic tiles
are set in beds of mortar or mastic with the joints between tiles grouted. Varieties of
ceramic tiles include quarry tile, porcelain, terracotta.
Many different natural stones are cut into a variety of sizes, shapes, and thicknesses for
use as flooring. Stone flooring is uses a similar installation method to ceramic
tile. Slate and marble are popular types of stone flooring. Stone aggregates,
like Terrazzo, can also used instead of raw cut stone and are available as either
preformed tiles or to be constructed in-place using a cement binder.
Concrete/cement finished floor is also used for its ability to be treated for different feel
and its durability.
Resilient flooring[edit]
Unlike brittle tiles made of minerals, resilient flooring is made of material that has some
elasticity, giving the flooring a degree of flexibility called resilience. The flooring is
available in large sheets or pre-cut tiles, and either comes with pre-applied adhesive for
peel-and-stick installation or requires adhesive to be troweled on to the
substrate.[2] Resilient flooring includes many different manufactured products
including linoleum, sheet vinyl, vinyl composition tile (VCT), cork (sheet or tile),
andrubber. Performance surfaces used for dance or athletics are usually made of wood
or resilient flooring.
Seamlesschemicalflooring[edit]

4. Many different seamless flooring materials are available. These are
usually latex, polyester, urethane or epoxy compounds which are applied in liquid form
to provide a completely seamless floor covering. These are usually found in wet areas
such as laboratories or food processing plants. These may have granular or rubberized
particles added to give better traction.
Sustainable flooring[edit]
Main article: Sustainable flooring
Sustainable flooring is produced from more sustainable materials (and by more
sustainable processes) that reduces demands on ecosystems during its life-cycle.`[3]
Floor features[edit]
There are a number of special features that may be used to ornament a floor or perform
a useful service:
 Floor medallions decorative centerpieces of a floor design
 Doormats to help keep a floor clean
 Gratings used to drain water or to rub dirt off shoes
 Tactile or rumble strips to warn of for instance a wheelchair ramp, these would
normally also be distinctively colored or patterned.
 Light strips to show an escape route out, especially on airplanes.
 Moldings or baseboards to decorate the sides of a floor or to cover the edge of a
floating floor.
 Anti-slip mats: The addition of either granular or rubberized particles that will allow
wheels, shoes, or feet better traction.

5. Hardwood Floors:Cleaning and Maintenance
Why Maintenance is Essential
To prevent hardwood floor damage, experts and manufacturers suggest
numerous treatments. Yet even with regular maintenance, all hard
woodfloors will begin to deteriorate over time. Damage can range from
fading, in high traffic areas, to extensive warping and cracking from moisture
exposure. Treatment—whether by waxing or power sanding —ensures a good
aesthetic, a sanitary floor and a safe, inhabitable space. Typically,
maintenance depends on a few key factors: type of finish, wood grain and the
extent of damage.
Damage Prevention & Simple Treatment
Following simple maintenance steps will help ensure that a hard wood floor
looks its best. While regular sweeping is recommended on a daily (or at
least weekly) basis to prevent soot from seeping into the wood, experts recommend utilizing
instead of a saturated mop. Water tends to expand wood grain and may warp the floor, espe
surfaces. To avoid denting, consider using vacuums that feature brush attachments rather t
beater bars. Additionally, although covering floors will delay fading from use and sunlight, t
Covering Association (www.wfca.org), suggests avoiding mats with rubber backing and thos
ventilated, as these textiles will tear at the surface of the wood.
Consulting a manufacturer or specialist about cleanser treatment is essential, as not all woo
are compatible with the same treatment products. Therefore, it is essential to know the type
being processed. Most floors are coated with polyurethane, a durable plastic coating. Man
pre-finished wood floors that have been UV dried and treated with polyurethane. Typically,
treated floors are stain resistant, though the finish will eventually wear off. Hardwood floor
lacquer, varnish and shellac provide a shiny finish but do not resist stains and wear as well a
Generally, denatured alcohol removes shellac and lacquer thinner, and acetone-basedprod
removing lacquer and varnish. Other wood floors are surface sealed with oil finishes, thoug

6. surfaces are typically coated with wax. Keep in mind that some paste waxes may require the
buffer.
As a general rule, experts recommend avoiding all oil-based soaps and waxes, specifically
treated floors. Oil based wax sprays that accumulate create an unwanted film and a slippery
actually affect the re-coating process. Instead, a neutral pH cleaner is sufficient for most ha
light treatment, a finish may be applied to fix fading. It is advised to apply coatings an hour
finishing shouldbe reserved for spot treatments for smaller areas of the wood surface.
Moderate to Heavy Damage
Screening is generally applicable to floors that have moderate damage. This process essen
utilizing a floor polisher to lift or abrade polyurethane finish off the wood without removing
Experts advise that this process shouldbe exclusive to floors with a polyurethane finish and
been treated with wax. Additionally, wood that is damaged beneath the finish is not compat
application, and shouldbe sanded instead. Specialists note that it is essential to sweep the f
or dirt are not pushed into the surface during this process.
Power sanding may be essential to repair worn down areas of the finish and to treat heav
drum sander is employed, and it is advised to consult specialists for this procedure as the to
it is not utilized properly. As a general guideline, a finish should be applied no more than 12
wood floor has been sanded. Typically, freshly sanded hard wood will absorb moisture and
may adversely affect the finishing process.
Sometimes, corrosion will penetrate the finish of the wood, which will require extensive res
of a flood, experts recommend the use of amild alkali to scrub the contaminants from the w
trisodium phosphate is suitable for mildew scrubbing (and grease stains) and can be dried o
cloth. For mildew build-up underneath the finish, it is essential to strip the coating. After sa
advise applying several applications of chlorine bleach to badly damaged parts of the wood.
water may be used to rinse the wood, which shouldthen be air dried. To prevent excessive w
allow for sufficient drying time before the wood is refinished. For major damage where the

7. experts recommendnailing the wood to stop the damage from spreading.
Replacement of the wood may be necessary if the damage is too extensive. Some may opt to
other materials like vinyl or carpeting or to replace the floor. Either way, consulting a contra
recommended.

8. Hardwood Floors:Cleaning and Maintenance
Why Maintenance is Essential
To prevent hardwood floor damage, experts and manufacturers suggest
numerous treatments. Yet even with regular maintenance, all hard
woodfloors will begin to deteriorate over time. Damage can range from
fading, in high traffic areas, to extensive warping and cracking from moisture
exposure. Treatment—whether by waxing or power sanding —ensures a good
aesthetic, a sanitary floor and a safe, inhabitable space. Typically,
maintenance depends on a few key factors: type of finish, wood grain and the
extent of damage.
Damage Prevention & Simple Treatment
Following simple maintenance steps will help ensure that a hard wood floor
looks its best. While regular sweeping is recommended on a daily (or at
least weekly) basis to prevent soot from seeping into the wood, experts recommend utilizing
instead of a saturated mop. Water tends to expand wood grain and may warp the floor, espe
surfaces. To avoid denting, consider using vacuums that feature brush attachments rather t
beater bars. Additionally, although covering floors will delay fading from use and sunlight, t
Covering Association (www.wfca.org), suggests avoiding mats with rubber backing and thos
ventilated, as these textiles will tear at the surface of the wood.
Consulting a manufacturer or specialist about cleanser treatment is essential, as not all woo
are compatible with the same treatment products. Therefore, it is essential to know the type
being processed. Most floors are coated with polyurethane, a durable plastic coating. Man
pre-finished wood floors that have been UV dried and treated with polyurethane. Typically,
treated floors are stain resistant, though the finish will eventually wear off. Hardwood floor
lacquer, varnish and shellac provide a shiny finish but do not resist stains and wear as well a
Generally, denatured alcohol removes shellac and lacquer thinner, and acetone-basedprod
removing lacquer and varnish. Other wood floors are surface sealed with oil finishes, thoug

9. surfaces are typically coated with wax. Keep in mind that some paste waxes may require the
buffer.
As a general rule, experts recommend avoiding all oil-based soaps and waxes, specifically
treated floors. Oil based wax sprays that accumulate create an unwanted film and a slippery
actually affect the re-coating process. Instead, a neutral pH cleaner is sufficient for most ha
light treatment, a finish may be applied to fix fading. It is advised to apply coatings an hour
finishing shouldbe reserved for spot treatments for smaller areas of the wood surface.
Moderate to Heavy Damage
Screening is generally applicable to floors that have moderate damage. This process essen
utilizing a floor polisher to lift or abrade polyurethane finish off the wood without removing
Experts advise that this process shouldbe exclusive to floors with a polyurethane finish and
been treated with wax. Additionally, wood that is damaged beneath the finish is not compat
application, and shouldbe sanded instead. Specialists note that it is essential to sweep the f
or dirt are not pushed into the surface during this process.
Power sanding may be essential to repair worn down areas of the finish and to treat heav
drum sander is employed, and it is advised to consult specialists for this procedure as the to
it is not utilized properly. As a general guideline, a finish should be applied no more than 12
wood floor has been sanded. Typically, freshly sanded hard wood will absorb moisture and
may adversely affect the finishing process.
Sometimes, corrosion will penetrate the finish of the wood, which will require extensive res
of a flood, experts recommend the use of amild alkali to scrub the contaminants from the w
trisodium phosphate is suitable for mildew scrubbing (and grease stains) and can be dried o
cloth. For mildew build-up underneath the finish, it is essential to strip the coating. After sa
advise applying several applications of chlorine bleach to badly damaged parts of the wood.
water may be used to rinse the wood, which shouldthen be air dried. To prevent excessive w
allow for sufficient drying time before the wood is refinished. For major damage where the

10. experts recommendnailing the wood to stop the damage from spreading.
Replacement of the wood may be necessary if the damage is too extensive. Some may opt to
other materials like vinyl or carpeting or to replace the floor. Either way, consulting a contra
recommended.
Other Chemicals Guides
 General Industrial Paint Components
 The History ofGreen Chemistry and Processes
 Liquid Desiccant Drying Systems
The Do’s and Don’ts of Hardwood Care
While Mohawk hardwoods are brilliant performers, they aren’t indestructible.
You can help maintain their strength and lasting beauty by following these
general guidelines, and helpful Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when treating
your Mohawk Hardwood Floors

11. Do’s
 Do vacuumand sweep your floor frequently, especially in high-traffic areas.
 Do keep pets’nails trimmed and their paws free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil, and stains.
 Do use protective window coverings to block fade-causing UV rays and excessive heat from direct sunlight,and
rearrange rugs and furniture periodically to help yourfloor age evenly.
 Do remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on floor.
 Do use a humidifier during heating seasons to help reduce wood shrinkage and maintain proper relative humidity
(between 35% - 55%).
Don'ts
 Do not wet-mop, damp-mop, or clean your floor with water or other liquids.
 Do not use hardwood floor-cleaning or buffing machines or steamcleaners.
 Do not use oil soaps,liquid or paste wax or otherhousehold products containing oil (such as citrus, lemon or
tung oil), silicon or ammonia to clean floor.
 Do not use harsh cleaning aids such as steel wool pads,any scouring pads containing metal or scouring powders.
 Do not use 2-in-1 cleaners with polish that may contain acrylics or urethane polish to restore gloss.
A Clean Routine
Vacuum or sweep with a soft-bristle broom regularly, especially before using floor cleaners, to prevent
gritty dirt and particle buildup that can scratch the wood’s surface. Don’t use vacuums with a beater bar or
power rotary brush head. Wipe up spills and spots immediately with Mohawk FloorCare Essentials
Hardwood & Laminate Flooring Cleaner applied directly to a clean white cloth. Use ice to harden tough
substances such as candle wax or chewing gum and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a
credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe area clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
Floor Mats Protect Your Floors
High-qualityfloor mats at entrances and exits are key to reducing tile wear. They collect and trap all the
corrosive substances that can be tracked in from outdoors, including dirt, sand, grit, oil, asphalt, or even
driveway sealer. Also use mats in areas of constant pressure, such as in front of vanities, kitchen sinks
and stoves.
Protective Pads On Furniture -- A Good Idea
Attach felt or similar protective pads to all furniture legs, particularly heavy pieces. When you’re moving
furniture, appliances or other heavy objects, use a dolly; never slide or roll anything across the floor. If
furniture has hard plastic or metal casters/wheels, use protective mats underneath or replace them with
soft rubber casters.